200 New York Catholics traveled to Rome to meet Pope Francis — and attended his funeral instead

Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵


New York Catholics in Rome Pay Respects to Late Pope Francis

Nearly 200 Catholics from the New York area, including prominent figures like former Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, embarked on a trip to Rome this week with hopes of potentially meeting Pope Francis. The pilgrimage, however, took an unexpected turn when the group found themselves paying their final respects to the pontiff instead. This journey, planned for months, aimed to honor Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan’s 75th birthday and the Jubilee Year – a significant period of grace and forgiveness observed every 25 years in the Catholic Church.

Unexpected Access to St. Peter’s Basilica

Cindy Caruso Aquila, a member of the Archdiocese of New York, expressed that a Papal audience was considered a real possibility. Instead, Cardinal Dolan arranged for the group to receive special access to Pope Francis’s remains at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

  • “Many people were waiting in line for six or seven hours to walk past the casket, and we got in through a back door that many of the dignitaries were going through, and we got a chance to walk right by the pope’s casket. So that was very special, to see him,” Aquila stated.

Private Vatican Tour Led by Cardinal Dolan

Cardinal Dolan provided the group with an exclusive tour of the Vatican, offering insights into the conclave that elected Pope Francis.

Product

4K Ultra HD Portable Foldable Projector Screen 100/120 Inch 16:9 with Stand & Carry Bag, Lightweight 1.5 Gain Polyester Material for Indoor Outdoor Home Theater ...
? Coupon price [$42.96]

Buy Now
Product

[Stylish PU Jacket] Stylish Modern Mens Outdoor PU Jacket - Warm Fleece-Lined Motorcycle Coat, Tough Guy
? Coupon price [$34.29]

Buy Now
Product

UNZHUO MAKE Mens High-Top Camouflage Work Boots - Non-Slip, Durable for Hiking, Outdoor & Mountaineering, Nylon Upper, Rubber Sole, EVA Insole
? Coupon price [$48.40]

Buy Now

A Visit to the Conclave Room

  • “It was very special to be in the room where the cardinals voted in a new pope,” Aquila remarked.

A Profound and Spiritual Journey

Aquila described the experience as “extraordinary,” “special,” and “very spiritual.” The group is scheduled to return to New York on Tuesday, carrying memories of their unexpected encounter with history and faith during this pilgrimage to Rome.


🕐 Top News in the Last Hour By Importance Score

# Title 📊 i-Score
1 Astronomers discover strange solar system body dancing in sync with Neptune: 'Like finding a hidden rhythm in a song' 🟢 82 / 100
2 Malaria ‘back with a vengeance’ in Zimbabwe as number of deaths from the disease triple 🔴 78 / 100
3 FBI personnel were told to flag Epstein files mentioning Trump, Senate Democrat says 🔴 78 / 100
4 Google, Costco and more popular sites crash as massive internet outage sweeps US 🔴 78 / 100
5 Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell convicted of felony burglary for breaking into estranged stepmother’s home 🔴 72 / 100
6 As the going gets tough in South Sudan, some artisans offer cheap footwear made from rubber tires 🔴 72 / 100
7 ‘Powerful’ Western on Netflix is a ‘masterpiece’ with 94% score 🔴 72 / 100
8 Why Tim Tszyu's mother WON'T be watching her son fight for a place in the history books against Sebastian Fundora 🔴 72 / 100
9 The 'best horror movie ever' with incredible 98% score that viewers say is 'chilling' 🔴 65 / 100
10 CNN panel devolves in chaos after liberal guest makes shock claim about Trump assassination attempt 🔴 65 / 100

View More Top News ➡️